Wellness Corner – August 9, 2022

by | Aug 9, 2022 | Uncategorized, Wellness, Wellness Corner

Dear Wellness Community,

Docked Covered Boat on a Lake with Mountain in BackgroundHere comes the sun!  We are experiencing a warm, glorious or what some would say “intense” Seattle summer. Late July and August bring out the best of summer in our region. Hope you are able to enjoy all that this season has to offer while staying cool. My favorite summer activities include early morning walks with my dog, catching some downtime to enjoy an outdoor concert, getting together with family, curling up with a good book alongside an icy cold beverage or looking for bunnies, colorful butterflies on blooms and all kinds of birds in my neighborhood. A new find that I plan to explore this year is to go “Sunflower gazing”. What are some of your favorite things?

This issue has some ideas for things to do in and around Seattle, outdoor summer concerts and movies, book and podcast suggestions on a hot summer day, fun hikes to take, spray parks, checking out cultural events, and having a new immersive experience. 

I invite you to share your favorite “Best of Summer” experience with us through the creative medium of photos. We will feature the pictures in our next Wellness Corner. You can email your photo to diptic@uw.edu. Look forward to our collective shared summer experiences.

August is National Wellness Month. Continue to find time to recharge, take breaks when you can, hydrate, and prioritize your well-being. Our Wellness Team salutes you and all you do to build the health of our community. Thank You!

Warmly,

Dipti

Dipti Chrastka
This week’s Wellness Corner authored by:
Dipti Chrastka, LMFT
GME Wellness Director
Monday – Friday at Harborview
206.744.0655
diptic@uw.edu
GME Wellness Counseling

Submit a Wellness Service Testimonial
Contents

Upcoming Events:

  • Learn more about avoiding job search pitfalls, how to negotiate and what to look for before you sign a contact at the Life After Residency & Fellowship Seminar on Saturday August 27th.  Event will run from 9:00am – 11:30am (see full agenda) on Zoom and a recording will be posted to the GME website after the event.  Register now! Registration closes on Aug 24th.
  • Free virtual event by AAMC.  Come explore how academic medicine community is addressing and eradicating systemic racism in health care. Advance registration is required (space is limited).

Outdoor Family Fun in Seattle

  • Cool off at one of many wading pools and Spray parks open till Labor Day.
  • Summer in SLU: Free family fun: lawn games, arts and crafts and food pop-ups.
  • Paint the town red: check out a free family friendly paint party at Freeway Park.

Entertainment

  • Catch a performance of the award-winning musical Hamilton, written and composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. You can win a $10 ticket. Winners are announced every Thursday.
  • Enjoy an outdoor Seattle concert with free live and local music in downtown Seattle through Sep 9th.
  • Learn dance Bollywood style at Pier 62 from 7 to 8 pm (free).

Movies in the Park

  • Free movies every Sat evening in Aug at Hing Hay park. Enjoy art, face painting and musical acts with your friends and family.
  • Bring your chairs and picnic on the Amphitheater lawn at Seattle Center. Free movies starting at 9 pm (Saturdays in Aug).
  • 21+ movie night at SLU Sat night market. Aug 17th is the last night with “Top Gun.”

Take a Hike!

Check out some hikes (some easy ones too) in the area. Thanks to Tammy and the Whole U for this share!!

Laugh out Loud!

Join Snowball, the dancing parakeet! Snowball is a viral sensation with 14 distinct dance steps.

Virtual Cooking Class

Tickle your taste buds with a yummy Puerto Rican appetizer! The Whole U is offering a virtual cooking class on Aug 10th.

Black Lives Matter

Walk...

Join the oldest art walk in the US and check the iconic art galleries in Pioneer Square every first Thursday. Free parking from 5 to 10 pm.

Run...

Fun Run to support a cure for Parkinson’s (Aug 27th)

Stop and Smell the Flowers!

Find yourself in a sunflower field.

Did you know? Resources

  • 988 is the new 3-digit number for the National Mental Health Crisis Hotline. It is free, confidential and available 24/7/365. This is the number to call or text when experiencing a mental health crisis, or if you are worried about a loved one in need of crisis support. You could also call 1 800 273 TALK (8255)
  • UW employees and their household members have access to Care Link 24/7/365. CareLink EAP can offer up to 5 free counseling sessions. You can reach CareLink by calling 866 598 3978.
  • Physician Support Line is a national, free, confidential support line to provide emotional support for physicians navigating life personally and professionally. This line is supported by over 700+ volunteer psychiatrists and is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 1 am EST. 1-888-409-0141
  • Check out some more wellness ideas in the UWMC CARE4U newsletter. Thank you, Marie Cockerham.

Adult Summer Reading Book Bingo

Explore different genres and have fun playing Book Bingo with Seattle Public Library’s Summer Challenge.

Find Your Calm

Join Diana Ratsamee, Yoga teacher as she leads a virtual Yoga flow class. Aug 11 from noon to 1 pm with the Whole U.

Binge-Worthy Podcasts

Binge-worthy Podcasts that will get your attention. The best of 2022.

Block Parties and Festivals

Wellness Corner Quick Links

Resident Musings

  • Our trainee from Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology shares their discovery of a new passion with deep roots: read more about it.
Selection of Pressed Flowers on top of Open Notebook

Mindfulness Minute

Gems from Treasure Valley

  • Experience the beauty of lanterns in the water at Boise’s Water Lantern festival on Aug 27th in Boise.
  • “Dance is Cringe” is back!! Journey into a “dance utopia” with the group. Aug 19 and 20th.
  • Snooze at the Zoo. Camp under the stars and explore the Boise Zoo at night. Aug 20 and 21 from 630 pm to 9 am.
  • Boise Soul Food Festival: enjoy African American inspired soul food, music, dancing and businesses. This festival’s mission is to celebrate African American culture and enhance racial understanding in the community. The festival is in Boise on Aug 13, from 11 am to 8 pm.

Got Feedback for Us?

We’d love to hear it!  Share your thoughts about the Wellness Corner, suggestions for future events, discounts or articles to highlight, or anything else you’d like to share.  Please email your thoughts to Dipti Chrastka (diptic@uw.edu), Julia Kocian (jkocian@uw.edu), Patty Long-Brohm (pattylb@uw.edu), and/or Howard Schafer (hischa5@uw.edu).

Wellness Corner – May 10, 2022

by | May 10, 2022 | Uncategorized, Wellness, Wellness Corner

Dear Wellness Community,

Spring has sprung in Seattle!  April showers mixed with hail and wet snow do bring May flowers.  I am excited about Farmer’s markets opening up soon, and I hope to get my hands on some fresh produce and fresh cut flowers. The month of May is Asian American Heritage month. As a proud Asian American, I reflect on ways to honor my heritage.  I may check out Seattle Japanese garden or look for new books and films that will get me thinking. I may also venture out and find some new Asian restaurants in the neighborhood.

The last few months continue to remind us to take care of ourselves as our world faces many challenges. As this academic year draws to a close next month, we may feel many mixed emotions about the transitions that lie ahead. Adding to your family, planning a wedding or special event, graduation, perhaps a new opportunity, starting a Fellowship, moving, upcoming Boards: joys, excitement, anticipation, anxiety and at times sadness about the losses big and small in our circles and the world at large. As we go through some of these feelings, do know your Wellness Team is here to support you. We encourage you to connect to your Counselor. You can reach us via email or making an appointment via Schedulicity.

We can also connect you to other resources including Learning Specialists. UW GME covers the cost of 4 sessions with a Learning Specialist as well as consultation and follow ups with our Psychiatric provider. If you have any questions, please reach out to any of us.

In this month’s issue, look for some book suggestions, ways to find calm, check out some cool exhibits, farmer’s markets, bike rides for America Bike month, gardens you can visit, tea rooms and ways to give back.

Dipti

Dipti Chrastka
This week’s Wellness Corner authored by:
Dipti Chrastka, LMFT
GME Wellness Director
Monday – Friday at Harborview
206.744.0655
diptic@uw.edu
GME Wellness Counseling

Submit a Wellness Service Testimonial
Contents

UW NURF/HQSC Health Equity Conference

Thanks, Nora Coronado, for sharing this upcoming event: UW NURF/HQSC Health Equity Conference on May 12 from 5 to 7 pm.  

Spring Discounts

Thanks to the Whole U. Find some great spring deals from Mariners tickets to travel to exercise and Barre studio deals!

 

Entertainment

May: Asian American Heritage Month

  • Stop and smell the flowers at one of many beautiful, vibrant Asian gardens in and around Seattle.
  • Thanks to my colleague and Seattle U professor Dr. Hye-Kyung Kang for her book recommendations: From a Native Daughter: Colonialism and Sovereignty in Hawai’i by Haunani Kay Trask and Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong.
  • More book ideas!
  • Support an Asian owned business in Seattle.
  • Check out the “Americans Incarcerated” exhibit at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) this is a free exhibition that runs till June 12.  A poignant work sharing the Japanese American exclusion during World War II.

Seattle Area Farmer's Markets

Fresh produce in your neighborhood. Visit a Seattle area Farmer’s market: some open in May while most will open from June to Sep.

Seattle Tea Rooms

Enjoy a cup of tea and treats at one of many tea rooms in Seattle

U-Pick Farm

Fun day trip idea. Check out this farm (open now through Oct) with U pick fruit, flowers, honey and more.

Black Lives Matter

Mindfulness Minute

UW Fitness Day

Some ideas to enjoy nature and be fit too. May 23 is UW Fitness Day. Thanks to the Whole U! Please see information and registration for complete details.

Bike Month

May is America Bike month and May 20 is Bike Everywhere day. Thanks Cascade Bicycle Club for putting together many fun events and even a challenge for those with a competitive spirit.

Bike Paths

Some bike friendly paths for you and your family.

Wellness Corner Quick Links

Gems from Treasure Valley

Our Wellness events are back after a brief winter hiatus.  Great to see so many of you at Theo’s Chocolate Factory Tour last weekend. Some pics from Theo’s. We will be at Theo’s in June for another tour. Will be sweet.

Audience listening to chocolate lecture

Trainees on chocolate factory tour

Group Trainee Photo at Chocolate Factory Tour

Giving Back

  • In honor of Asian American heritage month, join the community in the Annual Walk for Rice (supporting ACRS food bank). Start a pledge with a team or share your donation.
  • Support the people of Ukraine as they continue to endure war and immense hardships

Got Feedback for Us?

We’d love to hear it!  Share your thoughts about the Wellness Corner, suggestions for future events, discounts or articles to highlight, or anything else you’d like to share.  Please email your thoughts to Dipti Chrastka (diptic@uw.edu), Julia Kocian (jkocian@uw.edu) and/or Patty Long-Brohm (pattylb@uw.edu).

Wellness Corner – October 20th, 2020

by | Oct 20, 2020 | Uncategorized, Wellness Corner

Dear Wellness Community,

In these “unprecedented times” (are they still?), many of us are sharing in some emotional unrest as the days get darker and we approach a time which might ordinarily be filled with togetherness and annual celebrations.

I’ve heard from many sound sleepers that their zzz’s haven’t been as easy to catch, and a lot of us are experiencing some sadness that is hard to shake. If some of this is ringing true, you’re not alone, nor are you falling short! (This article might shed some light on this collective angst – thanks Liz Fawthrop for the find!)

One of our major cultural failings (if I can be so bold to point one out) is that we perpetuate the myth that we must thrive under all circumstances, when in fact, stress, sadness and grief are just as much a natural part of life as excitement, joy and gratitude. Who told us that everything was supposed to be easy? No generation escapes living through a multitude of so-called unprecedented challenges.

Let’s help each other be gentle towards ourselves for not bounding effortlessly through a really tough time. This issue’s mindfulness minute is dedicated to cultivating hope which bolsters long-term resilience. We can be realistic but still find the goodness in today.

There’s plenty of fun to be had this season – and even some new restaurants to make your mouth water. And don’t miss the tips for responding to microaggressions on the job – planning ahead for handling a tough situation might make it more manageable in the moment.

We’re trying to adapt our Wellness supports along with the changing circumstances and we’d love to hear your ideas! When you think of a way we could make your day better, send it our way!

Julia Kocian
This week’s Wellness Corner authored by:
Julia Kocian, LICSW, MPH
GME Wellness Counselor
Monday – Thursday at UWMC Montlake
206.543.6408
jkocian@uw.edu

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Contents

Enjoy Fall!

  • Woodland Park Zoo is easily accessible and you can reserve a safe time slot to come visit, plus you even get a Husky discount!
  • Veteran’s Day coming up on November 11th is FREE State and National Park Day–take yourself out for a walk if you can.
  • Fall is one of the best times to visit the Seattle Japanese Garden. You can reserve your visit time just like the zoo, and kids under 5 get in for FREE.

 

Calling All Parents (and potential parents)!

  • Tips from UW’s own Dr. John Lynch on how adults and kiddos can participate in Halloween safely including trick or treating!
  • Parents of toddlers, this course might be for you! Learn strategies for working through the hardest toddler tendencies. Or follow the Instagram account for a daily tip! (Thanks to Lauren Brown for this find!)
  • Check out GME’s new awesome Growing Your Family page for helpful peri-natal work-related resources like how to navigate leave, where to find childcare, how to plan for pumping at work and so much more! If you missed the recent talk: Family Planning and Fertility & Navigating Parental Leave for Resident Physicians, you can find the recording here.
  • King County Libraries is offering FREE tutoring for K-12 kids. You can submit homework issues here to get a 20-30 min time slot set up

 

Well-Being Index

The Resident / Fellow Well-Being Index is an online self-assessment tool that measures wellness in just 7 questions. It allows you to compare well-being to your peers, track results over time, and more – all 100% anonymously. The GME Office encourages all Residents & Fellows to take the assessment at https://mywbi.org/uw-gme.

For more information visit the GME Website.

 

 

Native Land App

Ever wondered what is under your feet? This webpage will show you where you’re standing. Download the app here.

Movie Night

20 Films that celebrate the American Latino experience!

Build Your Workout Plan

Simple advice on building a varied routine that will serve you well in the short and long term!

Black Lives Matter

  • Are you looking for a book to curl up with? Buy from a Black-owned bookstore like this one. Amazon will live to see another day without your money–I promise.
  • This article offers some helpful tips on how physicians can respond to microaggressions perpetrated by patients–an unfortunate reality of the medical workplace. Thanks to Dr. Kathryn Bailey for this find!
  • Donate here to help support Black healing in the context of therapy.
  • Malone Mukwende, a second year medical student noticed that there was enormous bias in dermatological imagery which commonly displayed conditions on white skin and she decided to do something about it. See and support her work Mind the Gap  which shows signs and symptoms on Black and Brown skin. This twitter feed has additional side by side pictures.(Thank you to Incho Lee for this resource!)

Celebrating the Arts

  • Try a new(old) sound with the music collection Soul of Angola Anthology
  • It’s right there in the title “you won’t just watch this once!” Check out Dancegod Lloyd and his talented family here.
  • I really enjoyed flipping through this Henry Art Gallery collection of teen self portraits.
  • The Seattle Asian Art Museum presents its Virtual Saturday University and this week, October 24th 10am-11:30am, it’s Color in Asian Art – Material and Meaning. Tune in to learn!
  • Craft classes you can do on your own for a different type of Saturday night in!

 

Mansplaining was never so funny!

For all of you feminists, a twitter feed that will make you laugh till you cry.

Conversation with Chef Mimi

Enjoy this chat about Black culinary life!

Happiness Class

Yale is now offering its most popular course, The Science of Well-Being for FREE!

Mindfulness Minute

“Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that it is worth doing no matter how it turns out.” – Vaclav Havel; Czech dissident, writer, statesman.

Exercises for cultivating hope:

  • Plan or list one joyful thing you’re looking forward to
  • Recall a time when you thought things wouldn’t work out, but they did
  • Read some good news for a change
  • Take one small action that feels in line with what you care most about (Give a compliment; call a friend; take a walk; what else?)

Entertainment

  • Virtual Halloween events for every age!
  • Podcast recs from Husky Faculty!
  • A meal kit that serves 4-6, AND a zoom cooking demo, AND a chance to socialize all for under $20; I can’t get over this deal! Next one is Wednesday, Nov. 4th (you may welcome the distraction). Just look for “Cook with UW Dining” on this calendar and click for more info.
  • Check out Seattle’s best NEW restaurants! (Yes, seriously.)

Gems from Treasure Valley

  • Have a “home-made” dinner at Hyde House, a family owned restaurant in a Victorian house!
  • Visit Idaho Botanic Garden for the Fall Harvest Fest with pumpkin patches, a straw maze, spooky stories and more! Every Saturday in October from 11am-5pm

Got Feedback for Us?

We’d love to hear it!  Share your thoughts about the Wellness Corner, suggestions for future events, discounts or articles to highlight, or anything else you’d like to share.  Please email your thoughts to Dipti Chrastka (diptic@uw.edu) and/or Julia Kocian (jkocian@uw.edu) and/or Andrei Dandescu (andreid@uw.edu).